Verizon to replace copper with fiber optic internet in Boston

Verizon and the city of Boston today announced a $300 million fiber optic cable replacement of copper cable throughout the city over the next six years.
The project will increase Internet speeds and help Boston, which has 650,000 residents, expand broadband as part of its priority to ensure every resident has Internet access, Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement on Tuesday. Business, schools, hospitals and libraries will also be connected.
Smart city elements will be added as well, including a trial project to reduce traffic congestion along Massachusetts Avenue. The city and Verizon will partner to experiment with sensors and advanced traffic signal technology to increase safety, measure bike traffic and improve public transit vehicle flow.
Future smart city apps could include sensors for environmental conditions, energy efficiency and city lighting management.
Verizon will also attach wireless equipment to city street lights and utility poles to boost wireless service for residents.
Because of the extremely high bandwidth capability of fiber optic cable, Verizon said the cable can serve as a foundation for future technology, such as 5G wireless. Verizon also operates an innovation center in Waltham, Mass., which will host the company’s
development and testing of 5G wireless.
The company plans to monitor the Boston fiber rollout to help it decide whether to take similar fiber networks to other markets.